Employee Files Grievance Against DMV's Bathroom Policy That Deducts Pay

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — A state agency is docking the pay of employees who spend too much time in the bathroom, and an employee has filed a grievance against it.

What people do in the bathroom is usually considered a private matter, but managers at one local Department of Motor Vehicles call center say some of their employees are taking too long on the toilet and not enough time working.

According to SEIU Local 1000 employees union, a grievance was filed by one of their employees against a potty policy at the call center off of Power Inn Road. The union says DMV managers are deducting pay and even leave time for employees that take more than seven minutes on a bathroom break.

Managers have become concerned that some employees weren't spending enough time doing their duties at their desks.

DMV spokesman Jaime Garza released a statement:

"The DMV is aware of a grievance filed by the union and the DMV is in the process of preparing a response. The DMV takes these matters seriously and is looking into the allegations."

Residents who spoke to CBS13 seemed split on the controversy.

"That gives you time to walk there and walk back and no time to do anything else. You might have issues going on that day, you know, or be sick," said Sacramento resident Susan Morris.

"Some people could actually also be, rather than work they wanna stay in the restroom all day. If you do it everyday then it's a problem," said Akanimo Udo.

CBS13 tried to contact the employee who filed the grievance, but did not hear back.